Live Thread: Cavs vs Pistons

The Pistons are back in town tonight, and fresh off a $25,000 fine for criticizing the officials before halftime of Game 1, Stan Van Gundy has them ready to play. The focus this game? Limiting the Cavs’ second chance points and the 12 offensive rebounds Cleveland had in game one. For Cleveland, the keys will be thus.

• Continue to limit Andre Drummond’s impact offensively and defensively. This means inside/out bigs who can stretch the floor against him (Love and Frye), and tough defense to deny him lobs and limit his pick and roll opportunities. (Keep going under the screens with Reggie Jackson!)
• Keep attacking in transition and early post-ups and then swinging the ball to the shooters out of double teams and the secondary break.
• Spread the scoring. With the big game for the big three, Sunday, J.R. should get some open looks from three.
• Keep defending. This means overplaying the strong hand of Reggie Jackson and the Pistons’ guards, as well as limiting penetration. Try to ice the pick and roll!
• Set up LeBron as the roll man.
• Limit turnovers! Cavs did a fantastic job of this in game one.
• Close out on shooters! This was probably the worst part of Cleveland’s defense game one.
• Bring the energy off the bench. The Detroit bench outscored the Cavs’ 21-14, Sunday, and outrebounded them 10-7. Hopefully Delly and Shump can get their jumpers going. Hopefully Channing Frye plays.
• Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving, and LeBron James continuing to run brutally efficient offense.